France

Site description

The demonstration site chosen in France belongs to the southern part of the country and corresponds approximately to the Midi-Pyrenees region, including the city of Toulouse and covering an acreage of 15 000 to 25 000 km².

The climate varies over the region from temperate to Mediterranean. The weather can be rainy in spring and becomes rather dry from July to end of October.

The main crops observed on the site are maize and soybean (generally irrigated), sunflower and sorghum (non irrigated), winter wheat and rapeseed. Tree crops and vineyards can also be found, as well as permanent and temporary pastures.

The growing season depends of the crop type and ranges:

From October to July for winter wheat,

From September to June for rapeseed

From April/May to September for sunflower or October for maize, sorghum and soybean.